Canada - Canada • Transport

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

More informationMore information

Strategic aviation finance and regulatory advice are core strengths of the group at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. The team is regularly instructed by aviation multinational corporations, manufacturers, financiers and lessors, and is well-versed in both aircraft and engine financings, aerospace M&A, airport and infrastructure financing and satellite financing. The group also boasts substantial knowledge on the federal government’s National Airports Policy. Toronto-based Jason MacIntyre steers the practice and offers significant expertise in aircraft repossessions, airline and aircraft maintenance licensing and certification, foreign investment in Canadian airlines and airport privatization. Auriol Marasco is highly active on aircraft financing and regulatory matters. Partner Donald Gray retired in December 2022. Eric Goneau focuses primarily on secured lending and structured finance transactions and is a key associate-level contact.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • AerCap
  • Aergo Capital
  • Azorra Aviation Holdings
  • BOC Aviation
  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
  • Castlelake
  • Export-Import Bank of the United States
  • Jackson Square Aviation
  • PNC Bank Aviation Finance
  • The Boeing Company
  • TrueNoord

Work highlights

  • Advised Azorra Aviation Holdings on the pre-delivery payment financing and sale-leaseback of 5xE195-E2 aircraft to Porter Airlines.
  • Advised Aviation Working Group on the preparation of the AWG’s Cross Border Transferability (XBT) Handbook.
  • Advised a drones delivery operator on aviation regulatory matters concerning foreign investment.

Lawyers

Leading individuals

Jason MacIntyre

Jason MacIntyre

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Jason's practice focuses primarily on secured lending and structured finance transactions, with a particular emphasis on aviation, infrastructure and defence. He is Chair of the Firm’s Aviation & Aerospace group. Jason has represented various aircraft lessors, manufacturers and financiers on aircraft finance and commercial aviation matters. He regularly advises clients on aviation regulatory matters including Transport Canada audits and certifications as well as Canadian Transportation Agency matters relating to foreign investments. He has also represented both lenders and borrowers in domestic and international transactions, which have included asset-based lending, project finance, public-private partnerships and both public and private debt and capital markets offerings. He co-leads the Firm’s Drones initiative, advising clients on investment, certification and other regulatory matters.

Auriol Marasco

Auriol Marasco

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Auriol’s expertise on aircraft finance, aviation commercial and regulatory law matters has made her the “go-to” trusted counsel to the leading lessors and financiers who support the Canadian commercial aircraft and airline industry. She regularly advises on related matters including in respect of airline work-out and loan restructuring and insolvency and bankruptcy related matters. Auriol also has considerable experience with regulatory issues relating to UAV operations and airport privatization and is the Co-Chair of the Blakes Drone Group. Auriol gained industry experience while working for a Canadian airline and is heavily involved in the Canadian aviation industry, including as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Hope Air, a Canadian charity which arranges free air transportation for Canadians travelling for medical reasons who have a financial need.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jason MacIntyre